m1 se7en Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 I'd like to replace the yellow (all) plastic dipstick on my 1,8k. I remember reading someone had found a suitable replacement from a Ford Fiesta. Can anyone please tell me exactly which model this came from. There seem to be numerous part numbers for Fiesta dipsticks! Also I vaguely remember it needed a mod to shorten it slightly? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted August 15, 2020 Member Share Posted August 15, 2020 . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted August 15, 2020 Member Share Posted August 15, 2020 Private Message sent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m1 se7en Posted August 15, 2020 Author Share Posted August 15, 2020 Thanks to JK, I've just found this on a previous post. "It is also the same dipstick Caterham fit to the Sigma, Ford part number 1207160" Off to ebay...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revilla Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 Don't pay too much for one on eBay you can get them for only £5 new https://www.autodoc.co.uk/topran/8210297. I've bought a few from that link, they do fit and the calibration is almost identical. The only issue with the Ford dipstick is that it's a flat ribbon, so only bends in one direction; you have to put it into the tube in the right orientation and it's still a little stiff going round the bends, but still perfectly useable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m1 se7en Posted August 15, 2020 Author Share Posted August 15, 2020 Thanks everyone.I've just bought one from ebay for £5 inc delivery.I followed Andrews link above but they wanted £9 for postage I'll report back when it arrives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revilla Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 Ah yes ... I've usually being buying them as part of a bulk order rather than just the one item. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevehS3 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 Are these easier to read than the OEM part? I struggle to see the level with fresh oil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revilla Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 I'm away this week but I'll try to remember to dip one and take some pictures when I get back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 Use a piece if paper / cloth to lay the dipstick up on. It'll be very clear where it gets "wet". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revilla Posted August 22, 2020 Share Posted August 22, 2020 OK so I said I would test one when I got the chance. It's really hard to capture on a phone camera but I think the Ford dipstick is actually easier to read than the Rover one. These pictures are taken with recently changed (so fairly clean) hot engine oil, engine idling: As I say, easier to see with the eye than photograph with a mobile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevehS3 Posted August 22, 2020 Share Posted August 22, 2020 Thank you Andrew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj Posted August 24, 2020 Share Posted August 24, 2020 Use a piece of paper / cloth to lay down the dipstick on. This will give a clear reading as it's easy to see where it gets "wet" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revilla Posted August 26, 2020 Share Posted August 26, 2020 I used one of these "in anger" this morning (not on a Caterham - I was checking the oil on the wife's Fiesta!). I can confirm that it was really easy to see a clear oil level. The "kink" and ball at the tip seem to serve to keep the actual reading part of the dipstick away from the guide tube wall so you don't get any oil wiped onto it, the result being a nice sharp clear edge to the oil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted August 26, 2020 Share Posted August 26, 2020 On my VW transporter it states to measure the oil hot but there is that much transfer from the tube it is difficult to read so I just do it cold and the reading is so much better, due to being drained and thicker! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj Posted August 26, 2020 Share Posted August 26, 2020 Doesn't it have an alarm for low level being a "modern car"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted August 26, 2020 Share Posted August 26, 2020 Its a poverty spec van so it might have one or it might not, though I'd rather keep it on the mark and pre-empt panic oil buying! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj Posted August 28, 2020 Share Posted August 28, 2020 Even a poverty spec van usually has the level sensor these days. @all: Remember that oil level for diesels with DPF tend to rise rather than fall, so never ever fill it to the max level! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted August 28, 2020 Share Posted August 28, 2020 On the VW van forum I frequent, someone posted just yesterday about an oil overfill warning light - just back from service and the garage had put too much in!! The manufacturers, it seems, have added a warning indicator for the issue you describe. Diluting the oil with diesel is another reason I'm glad I do 6 month oil changes and not variable (up to 20k miles)!!Sorry for the tangent discussions!Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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